It's very common for many people to confuse the properties of rubber with that of silicone, especially when it comes to things like pet brushes, dog brushes and cat brushes.
When choosing a dog brush or cat brush each pet has different fur and skin tolerances and each human has different demands when it comes to finding a suitable product and the best option for their needs. When it comes to choosing between rubber or silicone it's important to know that they are quite different in comparison. This post will show you the differences so you can make an informed decision for you and your pet!
Here's a helpful infographic on rubber versus silicone that applies to cat and dog brushes from the popular brands in the industry.
As you can see there's many differences between Rubber Cat and Dog Brushes and Silicone Cat and Dog Brushes, who knew?
| Rubber | Silicone |
| • Strong but not resilient | • Resilient and long lasting |
| • Not allergy resistant | • Allergy-friendly |
| • Grippy texture to pull hair | • Smoother finish |
| • Shorter shelf life - not heat resistant | • Long shelf life - heat resistant |
| • Inexpensive | • More expensive and higher quality |
Depending on the type of fur they have, some dogs with more coarse hair and thicker coats may prefer the feeling of rubber, however you may find they will not last as long as a silicone brush and will need to be replaced more often.
Both Rubber and Silicone Dog Brushes are waterproof, but only silicone can tolerate hot water and freezing temperatures (if it's a high quality kitchen-grade silicone).
Another advantage of silicone is the benefit of it being able to be put in the dishwasher. This can help sanitize the brush when it's used on multiple pets or in veterinarian clinics.
Silicone is also allergy friendly. It's technically biologically impossible to have an allergy to silicone compared to organic rubber. Sometimes someone with a latex allergy may be affected by holding or using a rubber brush. In some veterinarian reports, in an extremely rare case, silicone gel has produced an allergic reaction when used as implants, but there have so far been no veterinarian reports at the time of this post of any allergic reactions to using silicone brushes.
It's important to know the differences in how rubber feels on a cats sensitive skin vs a silicone brush. Typically a rubber brush will grip more and pull. Some animals are used to this sensation. Prolonged pulling on hair has been shown to increase shedding over time.
Silicone, due to being smoother in texture may take some getting used to in animals. Some have described it as a tingly feeling, perhaps making animals feel a bit more ticklish and cause them to squirm at first or run away. This sensation in both rubber and silicone is because it's stimulating the skin and helps the skin produce and distribute oils. It also may cause itching as they get used to this new feeling.
If your cat has frequent itching, stop brushing for a day and see if it persists. If it persists it's likely the itching is caused by something unrelated to the brush and it's material. Check to ensure the product is silicone and not rubber as rubber brushes in rare cases may cause allergic reactions.
Choosing between a rubber brush and silicone brush is a matter of preference. If you prefer higher quality and the finer things for your furry family member then a silicone brush may be just what your pet deserves!
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